Many folks ask me about my art, design, and methods. For my petal series, of which this is one example, I painted the image on the model’s contorted body and then blended the image into the black blackground, making it difficult to even find the model’s body.

For my wallpaper art, I first cover the wall and then position my model in front of the paper. I set up the camera approximately five metres back, look through the lens, size up the image, and then paint my first line on the model’s shoulder, then look back through camera, line them up again, and paint another line. I continue this method while working down the sides of the body, then paint the interior. The design takes approx 8-12 hours. The longest I spent on one design was 19 hours! I don’t use stencil or project the image—it is painted completely freehand.

The models are standing throughout the painting experience. They have to be very strong mentally and physically as standing still while concentrating on standing still actually exudes a lot of energy; a small percentage of them will faint. It’s truly hard work, so I chat with them often and try to keep them comfortable. They have to be very aware of where they are lining up with the image, and I usually tape around the edges of their feet so they can realign themselves properly after a break and a stretch.

The wallpaper shots are Florence Broadhurst designs that Signature Prints have allowed me to work with. For my Still Life and Landscape shots I’ve painted the canvas backgrounds to create an illusion. The Ming Vases are fabrics I have blended with the bodies.

The animals in my compositions are all tame and used for very a very short time. When painting, I spend no more than half an hour with them—many loved the attention and are used to being handled so they are good at remaining still and actually just watch the activities. I love animals, so this has been an incredible experience for me.

For more on my background, see my Britannica profile page here. Also visit my website at www.emmahackartist.com, where you can contact me or be added to my update list. I am also available for commissions and travel frequently for exhibitions and special projects.